Residents and migrants of JPR

Week 31, 31 July 2013 - Jahra Pools Reserve (Click to enlarge image)

I was out early on the last day of July to catch the sunrise, which wasn't that spectacular at all today. 

Sunrise at Green Island

Since I was already outdoors, I headed further up the coast to Jahra and JPR - it was a bit breezy this morning with some hanging dust in the air. There were already quite a few local birders/photographers at the Pools, all searching for something of interest. I saw the Black-winged Kite and heard later that the Indian Pond Heron had also been seen by one of the birders. I came across 2 juvenile White-tailed Lapwings which may have fledged somewhere in the reserve.

Juvenile White-tailed Lapwing (Vanellus leucurus)

On one of the exposed sandbanks there were a few White-cheeked Terns roosting with Lesser Crested Terns - certainly the first time I have seen this species on an inland pool. There was still a variety of waders about and there were 4 birds (one of each species) feeding in a shallow part of the pools. This is Marsh Sandpiper

Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)

The Little Stint was the smallest of the 4 (Ruff, Marsh Sand, Curlew Sand and Little Stint) in this small area and this burly Curlew Sandpiper (in comparison to the Stint)  became the 'playground' bully - continually harassing the smallest member of the group. I'm pleased to say that the Stint didn't leave, but did have to take evasive action every now and then.

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) harassing a Little Stint (Calidris minuta)

Still numbers of Sand Martin and Barn Swallow overhead and roosting on the fence.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)

An obliging Common Sandpiper provided a few full frame images.

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)

Graceful Prinia's have had a good season, here an adult that was singing his/her heart out

Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis)

A little further on, I came across 3 youngsters following the adult through the reeds as it taught them the ropes for survival in the desert. 

Juvenile Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis)

Adult and juvenile Graceful Prinia (Prinia gracilis)

Although still the hottest months in this Region, migratory birds have slowly start their mammoth journey south,  enduring, overcoming and trying to avoid all the hazards and obstacles - natural and man (especially the increased shooting and trapping almost all the way along their route) along the way. It is truly an amazing journey, despite intent and effort from the unscrupulous minority who have no clue about sustainability, to ensure that as many as possible they don't reach their wintering grounds, ever!